Liam Neeson's son, Daniel Neeson, has shared an update on his health after revealing that he underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect.
The 29-year-old, whose mom is the late actress Natasha Richardson, revealed in a lengthy Instagram post on March 3 that he had surgery for a Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV), "a condition where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three."
Sharing photos of himself in the hospital, Daniel explained that "about 2% of the human population has [BAV], and most people don't even know. It can stay dormant for years before it begins causing valve failure or enlargement of the aorta."
Daniel revealed that he has had biannual cardiology checkups for "most of my life," to monitor his heart, but he eventually started "to experience severe left ventricle dilation and aortic enlargement."
He continued: "I knew it was heading toward medical intervention. Some people with BAV are operated on later in life, but I drew the early-bird straw. Nothing is more empowering than understanding your health, staying on top of your game, and planning ahead.
© Instagram"Health is about being proactive, not reactive. There's something surreal about realizing that one of your biggest challenges was quietly developing inside you your entire life. No dramatic warning. Just science, genetics, and timing.
"I've always prided myself on pushing through battles and working to control my environment. This was different. This required surrender. Presence. Letting go. Trusting world-class surgeons and unbelievable nurses. Trusting the universe."
Daniel said that even if he "couldn't control the outcome," he "could control my mindset and my deeper consciousness."
© InstagramHe went on: "Overcoming this wasn't about being fearless. It was about leaning into the healing energy and being as present as possible. I looked at this operation as a ceremony, not a procedure."
Daniel then thanked his medical team at Weill Cornell / NewYork-Presbyterian, including Dr. Leonard Girardi, the ICU team and nurses, "for taking unbelievable care of me… truly some of the greatest people on the planet - thank you. They deserve all the praise in the world."
He gave a special mention to his fiancée, Natalie Ackerman, whom he called his "rock," and his family, for being there every day."
© InstagramDiscussing his recovery, Daniel added: "The recovery trail is beautiful, patient, and rewarding. Always advocate for yourself and listen to your body. Everyone should have their hearts checked by a cardiologist, even if they don't have any known defects.
"Most importantly, surrender to the present moment. Don't live in fear. The universe has your back when you learn to dance with it," he concluded.
According to the Mayo Clinic, BAV is "a heart condition present at birth. That means it is a congenital heart defect.
© Getty Images"The aortic valve is between the left lower heart chamber and the body's main artery, called the aorta. Flaps of tissue on the valve open and close with each heartbeat. The flaps are called cusps. They make sure blood flows in the correct direction.
"Usually, the aortic valve has three cusps. A bicuspid valve has only two cusps."
